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Sato Ryuji: A Show of Professionalism

Yesterday (February 17, 2018), was the final day of the memorial event for Sato Ryuji’s 3rd photobook “Reception”. Three sessions were held in the Asahi Seimei Hall, Osaka, and each session was divided into two segments: a talk segment and a handshake segment. It was a sold out event in a venue with a capacity of 368 people (so the approximate total number of fans who attended the event would’ve been 1,104 fans).

It was also an event that caused quite a stir on Twitter amongst Ryuji’s fans because the fans attending the reported that Ryuji had fallen sick with a cold and food poisoning.

Things had seemed to be going fine for the first two sessions because despite looking visibly physically unwell, the boy was all smiles and in high spirits. However, by the third session, according to fan reports, his condition had taken a turn for the worse. He was reported to have taken medication for his illness, but by the end of the talk segment during the third session, it appeared that the effect of the medication had worn off.

Apparently, he was so pale that the fans were afraid that he would faint. During the short intervals where the staff were ushering the fans for the handshake event, fans spotted him supporting himself using the table with both hands (because he was standing) and occasionally turning back to try to hide his unstable breathing.

He looked so physically unwell that the fans present at the event were commenting on how they would have totally understood if the staff had decided to cancel the handshake segment at the last minute due to his health condition.

But the moment a fan was ushered to stand right before him, face-to-face, he was back to being all smiles and careful attention, making sure to talk to the fans properly and that he fulfilled their fan service requests. When fans asked him if he was okay, he just reassured them with a smile that he was fine. When fans told him not to push himself, his response? “Please let me push myself.” When fans expressed their concern and worry, he apologised, saying, “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

And, even though it would’ve been understandable if he sat down, Ryuji remained standing throughout the entire handshake segment.

In addition to that? Despite his ill health (and the fans being quite worried about him), everyone who attended the event still enjoyed themselves spending time with him because he (and the event emcee, Ishikawa Kento) made sure that everyone had a good time and that the fans were well taken care of.

So many fans reported that they were so touched by the level of professionalism and dedication Ryuji showed during the event that they couldn’t imagine quitting as a fan after the event. From reading the reports, I can see why. 

Ryuji-kun really, truly, otsukaresama deshita ♥ ♥ ♥

NOTE: The information in this report was compiled from various fan reports on Twitter.

Sato Ryuji Official Twitter Account: HERE

Ishikawa Kento Official Twitter Account: HERE

For more information about “Reception”, please refer to this post: HERE